God''s Majesty

GOD’S MAJESTY
Exodus 33:1-11
(The Message) Vs. 6: “God said to Moses, ‘Tell the Israelites, ‘You’re one hard-headed people. I couldn’t stand being with you for even a moment—I’d destroy you. So take off all your jewelry until I figure out what to do with you.’”

Many believers often ask three questions: Where is God? Why is God silent? Why is God unfair? What questions would you ask about your Father in Heaven?

Consider that the Hebrews weren’t bothered by questions like these as they wandered in the Sinai wilderness—for 40 years—enroute to their promised land. They saw evidence of God daily. They heard Him speak, they ate manna, the food He provided for them every single day, they lived under a contract signed by His hand. This relationship they had with the Father gave us believers today a great gift: we worship one God, and our belief in one sovereign holy Lord is the gift of monotheism. (Mon-o-THEE-izm).

Perhaps we could use a refresher course in God’s majesty. Do we view our sovereign holy God, creator of the universe, as a cosmic “good buddy”?

The Scripture passage today makes God sound like an angry dad. Our parents may become that angry with us—and if all we get is a whipping—at least their discipline won’t destroy us.

When Pastor Gordon MacDonald stopped revering (re-VEER-ing) God, he regretted it. He writes, “I quietly (and insanely) concluded that God didn’t care and most likely wouldn’t intervene were I to risk violation of one of His commandments.”

Today, Pastor Gordon is steadily moving into a closer father/son relationship with God. He’s grasped reverence for God, and in return, God is teaching him the importance of obedience and gratitude. He’s learned how important it is to express sorrow and repent of sin. He seeks quiet time to be alone with God, listening for His whispers. His example teaches us a lesson about pursuing the same relationship with our Father—Who desires our friendship.

Take Home Nugget

Isaiah 55:8 puts it best when we lower God down to our level: “'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord.” Verse 9 is clear: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways…” Although God is not our “good buddy,” Hebrews 4:16 reminds us “to come boldly to the throne of grace.”

As His children, we’re always welcome to sit on God’s lap.

A daily worship is to be ever mindful of our Father’s inestimable majesty, recognizing His supreme worth.

J.D. Griffith

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Wheat/Chaff

WHEAT/CHAFF
Matthew 13:1-30
Vs. 16: “But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear…many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

The Parable of the Sower always seemed obvious to me—then I FINALLY got it! See if you get its meaning:

As a farmer scattered seeds, some fell on the path, and birds came and ate them. Never having a chance to sprout into plants, these seeds were lost. This represents someone who hears God’s Word but does not understand its meaning. The evil one snatches it away before it has a chance to nurture inside his heart.

The farmer scattered seeds on rocky places that did not have much soil, so the plants couldn’t grow there, either. This symbolizes someone who hears God’s Word and receives it joyously. But without repetition, or soil, the seed couldn’t develop into a plant and grow roots. The person falls away from faith in God the first sign of trouble.

Some of the farmer’s seed fell among thorns, which choked the seed. It died. This stands for someone who receives God’s Word, but the worries of life drive him to distraction. He ignores the Word of God and never pursues God’s kingdom.

Some seed fell onto good soil. This corresponds to a person who hears God’s Word and understands it. This person eagerly seeks it—reading and listening intently as the Word cultivates deep roots inside his heart. He produces a bountiful crop for God’s kingdom—yielding much more fruit than what was sown.

Still other seeds were sown among the weeds; the plants grew up side by side. The farmer didn’t pull up the weeds, because he didn’t want to yank up the wheat by mistake. At harvest time he separated the wheat from the weeds (chaff).

The chaff he burned up.

Take Home Nugget

Wheat and chaff represent believers and non believers. This is what I missed when growing up: I didn’t realize that my non-Christian friends aren’t going to Heaven. At harvest time, they will be forever lost—instead of being whisked into God’s kingdom.

This gives me (and you) a chance to pray for them who reject Jesus during their lifetime. At death, the separation is decided. We sow God’s seed for His kingdom throughout our lives, and—God harvests the fruit.

J.D. Griffith

Have you thought of where you’re going
When this earthly life is past?
Will the seed that you’re sowing
Bring a harvest that will last?

Jacobson

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Bible Precision

BIBLE PRECISION
2 Timothy 3:14-17
Vs. 16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.”

Critics of the Bible have built reputations on pointing out inconsistencies—often glaring, in their opinion. These critics disagree over which sections are inaccurate. Some argue over certain phrases, while others want to delete entire books. This puts believers in an insecure position when defending Scripture to scholars—and laymen.

Here’s an answer to aid us in defending our belief in the Bible’s inerrancy: “I know that the Sovereign God of the universe has no problem keeping His Word pure. I trust God to be the final authority on this issue. And for that matter, God is the final authority in every issue that affects my life.” Would this work for you?

When a person reads the entire Bible from cover to cover, the Old Testament reveals the highlights of the New Testament. Each part complements the other. With the various authors’ backgrounds and viewpoints, the appearance of differences surface. God allows diversity and even delights in His children’s uniqueness—since He made us different from one another, our differences often scream His glory!

Close study of the Bible clearly demonstrates how so many distinctive books create a medley that is compatibly congruent. (kom-PAT-a-bly kon-GRU-ent). (harmonic agreement).

For example, the gospels are written by four different men, and offer four different perspectives to the same stories. Matthew, the Jewish scholar, emphasizes history and the fulfillment of messianic prophecy. Mark ushers us breathlessly through his eye-witness account of Jesus. He urgently plants seeds of truth—clearly passionate about our salvation. Luke, a physician and missionary companion of Paul, is a vigorous champion of the ones who feel like “outsiders” in the faith. John focuses on Jesus’ love for all people. Jesus, our Savior, willingly died for the world, and His love reaches out to embrace us in John’s books.

While these men accompanied Jesus in His ministry, their writing displays superficially dissimilar viewpoints—which offers us great value. What’s important is to recognize that fundamentally, the four gospels are consistent with each other. We can depend on their accounts being reliable.

Take Home Nugget

A flawed book could only be the product of men, but the Bible is the authoritative Word of God. His Spirit led whoever’s hand was holding the pen.

Does this help your belief that what’s written in the Bible is true—for certain?

Following the compass of God’s Word keeps us safe from spiritual shipwreck.

J.D. Griffith

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Bible History

BIBLE HISTORY
Isaiah 66:1-2
(The Message): “God’s Decree: ‘Heaven’s My throne, earth is My footstool. What sort of house could you build for Me? What holiday spot reserve for Me? I made all this! I own all this!’”

Have you gotten it yet how much our Heavenly Father wants to be a part of your life?

The past 2 devotions was His love letter to us, His children, and the storybook that He provided for guiding us throughout our lives. He is not an absent parent; He is right here—by your side, and will never be further than a prayer away.

His storybook, the Bible, is not a book of fairy tales. It is God’s revelation of Himself to humankind. We find therein contained: 1) His spoken words, 2) His historical interventions, 3) His coming to earth in the person of Jesus Christ, and 4) Our future.

The Bible contains work from 40 men written in 3 different languages on 3 continents over the course of 1,500 years! Should anyone gather together a group of historians to write a history book today, you’d have neither the consistency nor the cohesive philosophy and mission statement found in the Scriptures.

Each book in the Bible reflects the human author’s personality and background. For example, Moses was the political leader of the Israelites; Daniel rose to the rank of prime minister while a prisoner in Babylon; Paul, originally trained as a Pharisee, dictated letters from prison. It boggles the mind in wonder: how could so many different men contribute stories that meld together this well—while remaining true to God’s central theme: Jehovah God redeems those who call upon Him.

God Himself spoke to each human writer, so every word in the Bible comes from our creator, divinely inspired. 2 Peter 1:20-21 says, “…you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its own origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” In Scripture, God reveals important truths to us—on an individual basis. (John 16:15).

I believe that the “stories” in the Bible are true; a book of nonfiction. Do you agree?

Take Home Nugget

God wants all His children to spend eternity with Him. This is why He gave us His invitation, guidance, and instructions to life in a guide book called the Holy Bible. Won’t you read it for yourself?

J.D. Griffith

The Bible stands like a rock undaunted
‘Mid the raging storms of time;
Its pages burn with truth eternal,
And they glow with a light sublime.

Lillena

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Storybook

STORYBOOK
John 3:2
“Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs You are doing if God were not with Him.”

Matthew 13:34
“Jesus spoke all things to the crowd in parables; He did
not say anything to them without using a parable.”

The Bible is a great teaching storybook—the greatest book ever written. The Lord Jesus Christ knew the best way to teach, and He chose to tell stories, or parables. Jesus didn’t recite truths of the Talmud, a collection of Jewish civil and religious law. Rather, He spoke with the homespun style of a storyteller. (Psalm 78:2-4). Great teachers ever since Jesus copy His teaching technique by telling stories.

Pulitzer Prize–winner Frank McCourt taught in New York City high schools for 30 years. He learned that the power of a compelling story captured his student’s attention and encouraged learning best.

Jesus’ parables endure today because they showcase matters of the heart. Luke 18 contains stories like The Persistent Widow, The Pharasee and the Tax Collector, The Rich Ruler, A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight. They show lessons like how God brings justice to His chosen ones, that humble people will be exalted, (or glorified), how to inherit eternal life, and how faith makes all things possible.

These lessons go against what is typically taught in the world today. We could sit week after week in church hearing sermon after sermon and never get the point. But we remember stories. They seem to “stick,” and are easily understood.

Another story in Luke 18 is about how people brought children to meet Jesus, and His disciples scolded them. Jesus reprimanded His disciples, saying, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

While this one isn’t a parable, it tells us how to get into Heaven. Will you retain your childlike acceptance of God for the rest of your life?

Take Home Nugget

The secret behind parables is that the listener should not dismiss them as irrelevant stories. They are intended as teaching tools showing God’s message—and work best when we take them seriously by applying them personally to our lives.

J.D. Griffith

"Take control of my words today,
May they tell of Your great love;
And may the story of Your grace
Turn some heart to You above."

Sees

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Love Letter

LOVE LETTER
Various Scripture Imbedded in Body

“My Child,
“You may not know Me, but I know everything about you: I know when you sit down and when you rise up; I am familiar with all your ways…Psalm 139:1-3. Even the hairs on your head are numbered, for you were made in My image…Matthew 10:29-31, Genesis 1:27. In Me you live and move and have your being; you are My offspring…Acts 17:28. I knew you even before you were conceived…Jeremiah 1:4-5. I chose you when I planned creation…Ephesians 1:11-12. You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in My book…Psalm 139:15-16. I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live…Acts 17:26. You are fearfully and wonderfully made; I knit you together in your mother’s womb…Psalm 139:13-14. I brought you forth on the day you were born…Psalm 71:6.

“I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know Me…John 8:41-44. I am not distant and angry, but I am the complete expression of love. It is my desire to lavish My love on you—simply because you are My child and I am your Father…1 John 4:16, 3:1. I offer you more than an earthly father ever could, for I am the perfect Father and meet all your needs…Matthew 7:11, 5:48, 6:31-33. Every good gift you receive comes from My hand…James 1:17.

“My plan for your future has always been filled with hope, because I love you with an everlasting love…Jeremiah 29:11, 31:3. My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore…Psalm 139:17-18. I rejoice over you with singing…Zephaniah 3:17. I will never stop doing good to you, for you are my treasured possession…Jeremiah 32:40, Exodus 19:5.

“I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul; I want to show you great and marvelous things…Jeremiah 32:41, 33:3. If you seek Me with all your heart, you will find Me…Deuteronomy 4:29. Delight in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart, for it is I who gave you these desires…Psalm 37:4, Philippians 2:13. I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine, for I am your greatest encourager...Ephesians 3:20, 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17.

“I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles…2 Corinthians 1:3-4. When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you…Psalm 34:18. As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to My heart…Isaiah 40:11. One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes, and take away all the pain you suffered on this earth…Revelation 21:3-4.

“I am your Father and I love you even as I love My Son, Jesus; in Jesus My love for you is revealed…John 17:23, 26. He is the exact representation of My being, and He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you…Hebrews 1:3, Romans 8:31. I am not counting your sins; Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled…2 Corinthians 5:18-19. His death was the ultimate expression of My love for you…1 John 4:10. I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love…Romans 8:32.

“If you receive the gift of My Son Jesus, you receive Me, and nothing will ever separate you from My love again…1 John 2:23, Romans 8:38-39. Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party Heaven has ever seen…Luke 15:7. I have always been Father and will always be Father…Ephesians 3:14-15.

Take Home Nugget

“My question is…Will you be My child?...John 1:12-13. I am waiting for you…Luke 15:11-32.
“Love, your Dad
“Almighty God”

Barry Adams
http://www.fathersloveletter.com/

Return next time, March 17, 2009, for Devotional Gems by Jolene

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God's 12 Promises Part 3 of 3

God’s 12 Promises Part 3: 9-12
Psalm 84:11
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor.”

1 Samuel 12:22
“For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject His people, because the Lord was pleased to make you His own.”

Psalm 25:9
“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.”

Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

“Hey guys, want to throw football with me this weekend?” Scotty asked Jeremy and Brad as school let out Friday.

“Sure, Scotty” Jeremy said. “We’re going to the empty field beside Brad’s house tomorrow around 1:00. Meet us there?”

Brad’s grin spread from ear to ear. Scotty returned that smile as he replied, “Great! See you then.”

Saturday dawned bright with a warm sun beaming down on the three boys. Scotty joined them tossing his own football in the air.

“What’s up, Scotty?” Brad welcomed him.

Jeremy grinned. “Think you football wanna bees can catch my throws?”

“Hey, did you hear about Trevor?” Scotty asked, ignoring Jeremy’s challenge.

Brad and Jeremy looked at him blankly, foreheads wrinkled in concern. “What happened?” Jeremy wondered.

“Painful lumps appeared under his armpits, and he was rushed to the hospital.”

“What?” Brad demanded.

Scotty looked down at his feet and muttered, “Yeah, he was in a lot of pain. The doctor said the lumps formed because his muscles were developing too fast.”

Jeremy’s eyes grew stern. He said, “Dad warned me against taking steroids, Scotty. I tried telling you this last season.”

“Yeah, you were right, Jerm. Glad you guys refused them. I was sure they would get us so strong that we’d all be selected to the team…I’m sorry for pushing them.”

They stood silently in a circle together, deep in thought.
Suddenly, Brad clapped his hand on Scotty’s shoulder. “I’m glad that you’re back as my friend, Scotty!”

Take Home Nugget

After we’re sealed for salvation, our heavenly Father won’t stand by and just allow His children to self-destruct. He will warn, plead, and woo us back to right living. But if the child stubbornly refuses to listen, God won’t force him to change. Our loving Father tolerates rebellion because He gave us free will.

Will you follow Jesus and not grieve Him who loves you so much that He allows your stubborn disobedience to play itself out—even if it hurts you?

J.D. Griffith

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God's 12 Promises Part 2 of 3

GOD’S 12 PROMISES Part 2:5-8
John 10:4
“When he has brought out all His own, He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice.”

Jeremiah 29:11
“’For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Matthew 11:28

“Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

On the second day of football practice Jeremy fell into calisthenics next to Brad. Scotty and his bud, Trevor, approached Brad and Jeremy with a proposition: “Want some steroids? They’ll help you to get a starting position on the team.”

“How did that work out for you last year, Scotty?” Jeremy inquired, with a smirk.

“You know I got kicked off the team last year, but now I’m stronger and faster.” Scotty retorted.
“Brad and I reject your steroids, Scotty, and you’d better stop pushing them on players. Coach will bust you again!”

“I’ve been praying for you to return to being my good friend” Brad told Scotty. “I’ve missed you.”

Coach Jiles motioned for Scott to come in front of the team, and said aloud, “Scott, what did you learn about steroids last year?”

Scotty shuffled before his teammates and gulped, looking down. He muttered, “Steroids can harm to us, some say, but they do bulk us up physically and increase our strength.”

“Will you be pushing them on your teammates again this year?”

“No, Coach” Scotty lied before the whole team.

Jeremy and Brad looked at each other--wide-eyed, mouths open.

“Sh, sh, sh” Jeremy whispered to Brad.

Brad whispered back, “We don’t need to do anything, Coach will find out sooner or later. Let’s continue to pray for him to do the right thing.

Take Home Nugget

When you see friends veering down the wrong path towards trouble, it’s not always the best thing to confront them. When you pray for them, God will attempt wooing them back into righteousness.

The battle is not ours, once we confront the person of their sin. The best we can do is to keep the friendship door open so they can return in their own time.

Heavenly Father, most Holy one who is faithful, protect my friend,_______________, from danger. Warn him from doing the wrong thing and lead him back to King Jesus—in Whose name I pray. AMEN!

J.D. Griffith

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God's 12 Promises Part 1 of 3

GOD’S 12 PROMISES Part 1 of 3
Hebrews 13:5
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Genesis 15:1
“Do not be afraid Abram, I am your shield, your very great reward.”

Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

The summer before Jeremy entered sixth grade, he tried out for midget league football—just like last year. Would his coach remember that he’d promised Jeremy a starting position this year after healing from his broken ankle?

“Glad to see you coming out for the team again” Coach Jiles greeted him with a smile and a handshake.

“Thanks, Coach” Jeremy said, grinning proudly. “I worked hard at strength training and body building.”

“Did you do much running?”
“Not too much, Coach. But I am a lot stronger this year”
“Well, very good, Jeremy. Fall into the ranks now and we’ll see how much you’ve improved.”

During calisthenics Jeremy noticed how much stronger he was, working out next to his good friend, Brad. “It feels so good being back on the field again, doesn’t it?” Jeremy yelled, his entire face a grin.

“It sure does.” Brad answered, nodding. “See Scotty over there?” Brad pointed.

“Yep. Have you spoken to him since our argument last year?”

“Nope. I’m surprised to see him trying out again.”

“I hope he’s changed. Those steroids that he pushed last year didn’t help him much.” Jeremy shrugged his shoulders.

“I hope he’s got a different attitude now” Brad replied.

Take Home Nugget

Jeremy was annoyed that he hadn’t gotten special treatment at practice. After all, he was promised a starting position if he’d return this year. Michael, his big brother, reminded him, “Coach has to treat everyone the same, or he’d be blamed for favoritism. Remember what you learned about God’s promises last year?”

Dad agreed, “Your brother’s right, Jeremy. Think back to when you broke your ankle. Didn’t God lead you through every trial then?”

Jeremy gulped. He had to admit, “You’re right…God prepared me for starting this new season. He was always by my side, even when I got hurt. He protected me when guys ridiculed me. Weight lifting and God strengthened me for this season.” Joy swelled in his heart, and he knew all things would work out for his good. (Romans 8:28).

Remember God’s faithfulness during times of trouble. He never leaves your side unprotected, and helpless.
Dedicated to Caroline Rossman, a source of inspiration.

J.D. Griffith

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